Eastern Arizona College

11/17/2014

Gila Monster Invitational Recap

Eastern Arizona College men’s basketball team was back in action this weekend hosting the Gila Monster Invitational at Guittea Gymnasium. EA defeated Impact Academy in the first game of the four team tournament Friday night by a score of 109 to 65. Six Gila Monsters finished the game in double figures with Englishman Ikponmosa “Theo” Oghide leading the way with 17 points going 7 for 9 from the floor. Aubrey Stephens (14), Reggie Oliver (13), Vonte Carter (11), Jamal Welch (11), and Mitchell Goodman (11) rounded out the rest of the double digit scoring. Eastern was able to play selfless basketball (22 team assists) at home Friday night to its largest crowd of the season.

On short rest, EA took on #18 ranked Howard College out of Big Spring, Texas Saturday afternoon to complete their week. Howard defeated EA 94 to 77 in a physical battle that involved 38 total fouls and 50 free throws between the two teams.

The final score was anything but indicative of the Gila Monsters fight and effort Saturday night. Trailing 70 to 53 with 10 minutes left in the game, the Gila Monsters went on a 13 to 6 run to bring it within 10 late. Sophomore Tyler Chaisson led the battle with 8 big rebounds on the night and 11 points. Guards Reggie Oliver and Aubrey Stephens also crashed the glass grabbing 6 and 3 rebounds respectively. EA was able to turn a very good Howard team over 14 times in the game, however, it was the free throws that came back to haunt the Gila Monsters shooting 17 for 27 (67%) from the charity stripe.

The Gila Monsters (3-2) are back in action Wednesday night to take on conference foe Glendale at 7:30pm MST. They return home on Saturday to host Chandler-Gilbert.